Diyanet President Erbaş: A person's value is measured by what they pursue

Diyanet President Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş attended the "Çelebi Program Graduation" ceremony held at the Cemile Sultan Grove for students receiving educational support under the scholarship programs of the International Foundation for Solidarity with Muslim Communities (MÜSDAV).

The program began with a recitation of the Holy Quran and continued with the reading of translations in Turkish and German. Mahmut Özdemir on behalf of MÜSDAV and Dr. Ahmet İşleyen on behalf of the Diyanet Presidency's General Directorate of Foreign Relations delivered opening remarks.

At the ceremony, students showcased the multilingual educational background they had acquired. Zeynep Ece Okuducu, speaking in Spanish and Turkish, and Abdullah Erkam Bayırkan, speaking in Japanese and Turkish, were highly praised for their speeches.

A REMINDER OF INTENTION AND EFFORT

In his speech, Diyanet President Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş stated that the world would become a better place through the intentions and efforts of the youth, saying, "In the Çelebi program, you did not just learn a foreign language. You also learned about our civilization, our history, and our ummah geography.

You conducted readings and analyses on these topics. Likewise, you strengthened your minds and hearts through debates and exchanges of ideas regarding other issues. I hope you will continue to develop your work in this direction day by day. You will carry yourselves to a more advanced level socially, culturally, and academically. The more equipped and knowledgeable you are, the stronger you will be.

Furthermore, you will also strengthen your morality and spirituality to the highest degree. In this way, the truths of Islam will reach generations and eras through you, and humanity will find the peace it seeks under your guidance. In a period when our world is facing very serious problems and humanity is surrounded by social issues, crises, and hopelessness, your presence and effort are the greatest opportunity. With your intentions and efforts, the earth will become a better place, God willing," he said.

"A PERSON IS AS GREAT AS THEIR IDEALS"

Stating that "a person is as great as their ideals," Erbaş said, "A person's value is measured by what they pursue. A person is as great as their ideals. Do not let your ideals be only about yourself; include serving your nation and humanity in your ideals. Your responsibilities are not limited to learning a foreign language and conducting work at a global level.

What is essential is that these efforts are subject to a strong consciousness and a sublime purpose. Therefore, whatever profession you may have, strive to see that profession as an opportunity to serve society and humanity. Remember that 'Çelebi' means a personality who has completed their education, possesses courtesy and elegance, and has a sound mind, a sound heart, and a sound taste.

Therefore, let there be decency, courtesy, and elegance even in your smallest actions. Strive with all your means to bring the beauties you know and live into reality. Always choose to side with goodness. Let your goal be the multiplication of good and the reduction of evil," he said.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of diplomas and gifts to the graduates.

News Source: İHA